Truthfully, Four Leaves Technology (FLT) had been well within its rights to file a lawsuit for 'forcible obstruction of business' or 'fraudulent obstruction of business' against the media outlets that broadcast the First Sage's irresponsible footage. The reason they had not done so easily was obvious.
As long as the media wielded its privileges while styling itself as the 'Fourth Estate,' journalists needed to realize that speech could sometimes kill. Yet, journalists driven by an unbridled thirst for sensationalism rarely possessed the capacity to respect others.
Yugen tapped his terminal, glancing at the incoming results before letting out a quiet sigh.
"What is it, Yugen? Did you get news from the youth meeting?"
"Something like that."
Yugen operated the terminal, projecting a virtual monitor in front of Mototsugu. Reading the contents, Mototsugu let out a deep sigh of his own.
The report detailed how Saegusa Tomokazu's proposal—to place Miyuki in the spotlight as a public icon—had met direct, fierce resistance from Tatsuya.
However, the initial spark had come not from Tatsuya, but from Motoharuto. Just as Tomokazu was about to utter a decisive statement, Motoharuto interrupted to ask Katsuto about the direction of the meeting, raising a fundamental question: if Miyuki—who was technically his adoptive sister by bloodlines—were put on the front lines, would the Saegusa family take full responsibility for her safety?
Seizing that opening, Tatsuya delivered a sharp critique, declaring that the Yotsuba family had no reason to comply with such a scheme. Tatsuya's stance was quickly backed by Touya of the Mutsuzuka family, Airi of the Isshiki family, Takuma of the Shippou family, and Masaki of the Ichijou family. Even Mitsuhiro, attending as an observer, expressed grave concerns, effectively sinking Tomokazu's proposal.
After the meeting, Tatsuya declined to attend the dinner party due to a prior engagement with the Yotsuba family. Motoharuto, Airi, and Takuma also canceled, citing family business. Mitsuhiro politely declined the dinner as well, accepting Motoharuto's invitation instead.
"...Is Saegusa Tomokazu a fool? Did his father tell him nothing?" Mototsugu muttered in disbelief. "At this rate, Saegusa Kouichi, who was secretly colluding with Zhou Gongjin, actually looks somewhat competent by comparison."
"With this, both father and son have effectively picked a fight with the Yotsuba family," Yugen said calmly. "I can't help but feel sorry for his daughters."
"Two of whom happen to be your betrothed, Yugen."
"Well, as far as their character goes, I know I can trust them."
Yugen had no desire to pick fights for the sake of it; if matters could be settled through dialogue, it saved considerable time and effort. Ultimately, the other side had foolishly viewed them as a threat and initiated a self-destructive move involving those around them; Yugen was merely responding with quiet composure.
The limousine pulled to a stop at their destination, and the driver opened the door. Yugen and Mototsugu stepped out in front of an exclusive, high-end traditional Japanese restaurant in Tokyo. Guided by the staff, they walked into a private room deep within the establishment.
A guest was already waiting inside—a man who was their step-uncle by blood: Todo Seiha, one of the Four Great Elders of the Genroin.
"Todo-dono, apologies for keeping you waiting."
"Think nothing of it. I arrived only a short while ago myself. Naturally, as it is daytime, no sake will be served."
"That is perfectly fine."
Ordinarily, Seiha's status as one of the Four Great Elders would place him above them. However, all three were heads of their respective families, and Yugen and Mototsugu had received strict instructions regarding decorum from Senhime and Gozo respectively. In the presence of the Guardians, even Seiha could not put on airs—a dynamic deeply rooted in the historical 'rebellion' that the Todo and Kashiwa families had once staged against the Kamiizumi line.
As Seiha gestured for them to sit, Yugen and Mototsugu took their seats opposite him.
"I believe you had a meeting with the younger generation scheduled for today. Was it fine to leave?"
"Pay it no mind," Yugen replied smoothly. "Had any constructive ideas emerged from them, I wouldn't have minded bringing them before the Master Clans Council. However, once the superficial proposals were shot down, it seems no innovative solutions remained."
Hearing Yugen's words, Seiha seemed to grasp the nature of the proposed plan and let out a quiet sigh. He then shifted his gaze toward Mototsugu.
"Kamiizumi-dono, what are your thoughts on the matter?"
"I believe that forcing proactive measures will only fuel fear of magic," Mototsugu answered. "Modern magic may have originated from incorporating darker arts like curse-killing into technology, but civil applications are generally progressing smoothly."
The feud between their houses had originally stemmed from Gozo and Seiha's father. Although Mototsugu had inherited the headship, he had no intention of passing that feud down to future generations. Still, while he harbored reservations toward the Kashiwa and Todo families—who had focused on commanding practitioners rather than elevating their strength, thereby lowering the ceiling of order—he refrained from voicing them aloud.
Turning to Seiha, Yugen spoke with quiet authority.
"Todo-dono. Moving forward, a strict standard of reason will be required of all who belong to the Genroin. If we are to preserve order in the days to come, we must be prepared to soil our own hands to deal with anomalies if necessary. If those who follow us lack the resolve to risk their lives and continue putting others on the front lines as shields, I will personally erase them from history. Make sure the next generation of the Todo family understands this completely."
"...Understood," Seiha replied, bowing his head deeply.
To shy away from power in the name of preserving order was nothing short of foolishness. While excessive power could bring about self-destruction, discarding power as unnecessary merely left openings for enemies to exploit.
To know oneself, to know the enemy, and to maintain sufficient strength to deter aggression—that was the true essence of defending the nation. The Genroin existed to serve as that backing and the 'final card.' For those who merely sat on their hands without carrying that weight, there was no place left to occupy. Facing Yugen's unyielding words, Seiha had no choice but to bow deeply in acknowledgment.
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